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2022 GMC Terrain Review

The 2022 GMC Terrain has been built into one of the most striking, comfortable, and technology-laden mid-size SUVs on the market.
2022 GMC Terrain - gmc.com

2022 GMC Terrain – gmc.com |  Shop 2022 GMC Terrain on Carsforsale.com

What’s New for the 2022 GMC Terrain

Across the automotive market, most mid-size SUVs all seem to take nearly identical shapes with almost indistinguishable styling. That cannot be said of the GMC Terrain which, since its introduction, has been very attractive. For 2022 it gets even more brutish and adds some new features to lure buyers.

The new GMC Terrain gets some exterior changes for 2022. They include new LED headlights set into a new front fascia, and new wheel designs as well. It also loses the SL trim level while it gains a new AT4 trim level. The optional but punchy 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from last year is gone as well, so buyers will get the same 1.5-liter motor regardless of trim. It’s not all perfect, but let’s take a deep dive into the 2022 GMC Terrain and find out why it’s more than just a pretty face.

Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $29,095

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

FWD or AWD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

25 City / 30 Hwy (MPG)

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 5

The Breakdown

Striking design language

Very quiet interior

Good economy

Very slow

A bit ponderous

AT4 trim is tough in name alone

We want the 2.0 engine back

2022 GMC Terrain Specs

Trims & Pricing

SLE - $29,095
SLT - $33,095
AT4 - $35,195
Denali - $37,795

2022 GMC Terrain Powertrain

2022 GMC Terrain 1.5L I4 - CAR NEWS TODAY on YouTube.com
2022 GMC Terrain 1.5L I4 - CAR NEWS TODAY on YouTube.com

Overall, the drivetrain in the 2022 GMC Terrain is a bit disappointing. At more than 4,600 pounds, it weighs more than a Sierra 1500, and yet, it has far less power than a base Honda Accord. To put it simply, the Terrain is slow but it is quiet, and that has to count for something. Driving the Terrain is about getting around comfortably and the extra heft of this vehicle helps it remain stable and planted through corners. Body roll is fairly minimal and feedback through the brake pedal and steering wheel is slightly above average. The nine-speed automatic helps get the most from the unimpressive powerplant and we also like the all-wheel-drive system. It’s a shame it’s not standard on both the AT4 and the Denali. Again though, there’s a benefit as the front-wheel-drive Terrain is the more efficient of the two. Around town, the Terrain proves itself to be a capable and calm SUV that is ideal for shuttling family and friends in comfort.

2022 GMC Terrain Fuel Economy & MPG

2022 GMC Terrain - gmc.com
2022 GMC Terrain - gmc.com

The EPA estimates that the AWD version of the Terrain gets 26 mpg combined and that’s just a tick below the combined 27 mpg of the front-wheel-driven variant. Both scores are good for a vehicle of this size and weight and beat out the more powerful engine that was available last year.

Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space

Comfort is where the 2022 GMC Terrain really shines. Unlike other midsize SUVs that might be trying to do too much by offering a compromised third row, the Terrain is spacious in comparison. The front seats are especially comfortable and supportive while the rears are a bit more relaxed and easy to settle into for long journeys. The multiple power adjustments available for the front seats allow for excellent positioning and the heated seats have a cool trick too. Instead of just heating the whole seat, occupants can select which section of the seat they want to be heated.

Over bumps and broken pavement, we found the Terrain to be very capable with only limited jarring and in-cabin feedback. The steering wheel and pedals feel settled and reassuring over such conditions while the interior remains quiet too. Despite having a buzzy engine that needs to be revved out to get the most from it, very little engine noise can be heard.

Cargo space is good too with nearly 30 cubic feet available behind the second row that expands to more than double that when the rear seats are lowered. Those rear seats can be heated for buyers of the Denali trim level. There’s a great panoramic sunroof available as well. Overall, the Terrain is outstanding when it comes to comfort. GMC knows its buyers care far more about that than they do about a big powerful engine or even about being able to actually go off-road.

2022 GMC Terrain Entertainment & Technology

2022 GMC Terrain Heads-Up Display - gmc.com
2022 GMC Terrain Heads-Up Display - gmc.com

Technology is well served in the 2022 GMC Terrain. The standard safety suite is great (we’ll get into it more shortly), and it’s coupled with a bright and snappy standard infotainment system. The upgraded infotainment system as well as the heads-up display, downward-looking 360 camera, and premium Bose sound system all speak to how advanced this SUV truly is. Unlike some others that fail to really hit the mark of luxury. The Terrain meets that mark and exceeds it in some places.

Safety Features

GMC fits every Terrain with standard advanced safety features like forward-collision mitigation and lane keep assist, but also offers blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors for those that want them. It also has a 5-star crash test rating from the NHTSA. Overall GMC has done a good job of making the Terrain a safe vehicle.

2022 GMC Terrain Trims & Pricing

2022 GMC Terrain SLE - gmc.com
2022 GMC Terrain SLE - gmc.com

SLE – $29,095

As the old base-level SL trim is gone, the SLE comes with lots of desirable standard features including LED headlights and taillights, a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated mirrors, a WiFi hotspot, and six speakers. Every Terrain SLE comes standard with lane-keep assist and forward-collision mitigation that will attempt to stop the vehicle if it senses an impending collision.

2022 GMC Terrain SLT - media.gmc.com
2022 GMC Terrain SLT - media.gmc.com

SLT – $33,095

Bump up to the SLT trim and buyers get a slightly larger 8-inch infotainment system, remote start, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an HD rear camera, a household-style power outlet, and leather upholstery.

2022 GMC Terrain AT4 - media.gmc.com
2022 GMC Terrain AT4 - media.gmc.com

AT4 – $35,195

GMC adds a skid plate and some small design changes to the Terrain AT4 to signify its off-road prowess, but it’s still just front-wheel-drive in standard form. It does have some new traction control settings and more aggressive tires, but overall it’s a bit lacking.

2022 GMC Terrain Denali - gmc.com
2022 GMC Terrain Denali - gmc.com

Denali – $37,795

As the most opulent Terrain, the Denali trim comes with a wireless charger for cell phones, navigation, a premium Bose sound system, a more detailed driver information screen, and a heads-up display. In addition to the standard safety features, GMC also adds parking sensors both front and rear, blind-spot monitoring, and a safety alert seat.

Warranties

There’s not much to write home about in terms of warranty coverage for the 2022 GMC Terrain. It offers 3 years or 36,000 miles of limited warranty coverage and 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. GMC also covers the first maintenance visit.

What we think

2022 GMC Terrain - gmc.com

2022 GMC Terrain – gmc.com |  Shop 2022 GMC Terrain on Carsforsale.com

While the 2022 GMC Terrain won’t be for everyone, we do think that it speaks to the demographic that GMC is targeting. It’s comfortable above all else. It’s got a great mix of current and advanced technology, and it looks better (to most) than almost any other SUV of the same size.

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Stephen Rivers

Stephen Rivers is a car enthusiast who loves all things built with passion, extending to nearly all car cultures. After obtaining an occupational studies degree in sports medicine, Stephen turned his attention to sports cars. He was employed as an auto shop manager, spent time in auto sales, and worked as a software developer for a racing company, but Stephen began writing about cars over 10 years ago. When he's not in front of a computer screen, he's racing his own Bugeye Subaru WRX in as many autocross and rallycross competitions as he can.

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